Golfers battle blustery wind at Ladies’ North Island Tournament

The Ladies’ North Island Tournament at Comox Golf Club was a blast – in more ways than one.

Sixty-eight women battled the elements on May 8, with the wind gusting up to 40 km/h for the entire round. As the sun was rising, head greens keeper John Brownlee and his crew of Tyson Slater, Tess Stanick, Dixson and manager Jesse Moussa cleared the debris from the overnight wind storm so the players would be able to start the tournament.

The wind proved to be the main obstacle to low scores for the day. Shelly Stouffer (BCGA) persevered to take the overall low gross championship (Mildred Laver Trophy) with a score of 80. Billy Chang from Mt. Brenton chose the right clubs in posting a net score of 69 to win the overall low net trophy. The Team Trophy (Archie Dick Trophy) was won by locals Gi Carlson, Nancy Newton, Jo Falco and Sally Sloat with a combined net score of 290.

Kathy Branch, chairperson of the committee, guided her team of Sue Leakey, Karen Vanetta, Mary Buchanan, Linda Callendar, Carmen deWinter, Janice Nicklin and Nancy Riva to another very successful Mother’s Day tournament.

We had a great Horse Race (well maybe not as great as the Kentucky Derby) but very rewarding for the winners. Nancy Riva and Marg Siddall took first place, Carmen deWinter and Pat Schmidt were second and third place was Joan Baudais and Sue Leakey. Thanks to Nadine Ash, Dan Bailey and Tracy Branch for their assistance during this event. Ian Leakey, Gord Baudais and Rick Siddall supervised a chipping contest with Mary Buchanan winning first place.

On Sunday, Gord Baudais and Hank Verdenhalven supervised holes #5 and #14 which were sponsored by Visual Sound (big screen HDTV). A hole in one was again denied to the players as the wind played havoc most of the day.

Canadian Western Bank ($5,000) and Comox Fireplace and Patio (hot tub) sponsored holes #9 and #18 respectively. As Gord Aikman and Monique Walker measured closest to the hole, the players were again foiled by the wind for that elusive ace.

Ron Pratt and Brian Buchanan tried to make sure no one lost their ball on #2 and #11.

Following golf the women and guests were treated to special meal prepared by Tossawan, Brian Freisen and chef Montri from the Comox Bar and Grill. Edith Albrecht provided the nuts and bolts for the women to enjoy as she has done for many years. After the scoring was done by Maureen and Don Taylor, Jesse Moussa (golf pro and manager of the Comox Golf Club) greeted the players following dinner and presented the prizes alongside Kathy Branch.

Nadine Ash (Club Pro) donated a free lesson to Tobi Norris in a draw for those who registered before April 20.

This was the second year that Gregg Hart, owner and managing broker of Royal LePage in the Comox Valley, has sponsored this tournament. Without our sponsors this tournament would not be possible. As we finish this year’s tournament, it is a good reminder to support these businesses and say thank you:

Following the prizes Katrina LeNoury from Vernon, daughter of Maureen Taylor, led us in a karaoke sing-song. Such a great way to wind down from this terrific event. Looking forward to next year already!